Pro Bowler fights to stay on the field as the Packers endure injury hell heading into the Bears game
Josh Jacobs has handled an annoying knee injury since the Giants game in November.
Micah Parsons is out for the season. Christian Watson, Zach Tom, Evan Williams all have their presence on the field in doubt for next week. Ahead of the Chicago Bears game on Saturday, running back Josh Jacobs is just trying to keep battling his own fight.
The Pro Bowl running back has been handling a knee injury for a month, and it got worse in each of the past two games. There isn’t any structural damage, but it hurts.
“I banged it early, probably first or second possession,” Jacobs said on Tuesday about getting his knee worse during the Denver Broncos game. “It was bothering me throughout the game, but I played pretty well, so it is what it is.”
Jacobs wants to be on the field
Because the game is on Saturday, the Packers revealed their first injury report on Tuesday. It was just a walkthrough, but the Packers’ estimation is that Jacobs wouldn’t have practiced. The idea is to repeat last week’s plan, when he just practiced on a limited basis on Friday and was able to play on Sunday.
“If it’s up to me, for sure, I’m going to try to go,” Jacobs explained. “It’s harder for me to watch games than it is to play hurt. I’d rather try to contribute in some type of fashion, even if it’s in a limited role, than just sit there and watch the whole time. I’ve always had that kind of mindset.”
And it worked on Sunday to a certain extent. Despite the limitations, Jacobs scored two touchdowns — a beautiful reception and a 40-yard run.
Substantial injury report
Before practice, head coach Matt LaFleur said the injury report would be “substantial.” Well, it was. In total, nine Packers players were listed as did not participate — Jacobs, Micah Parsons (knee), Zach Tom (knee/back), Lukas Van Ness (foot), Christian Watson (chest/shoulder), Josh Whyle (concussion), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), Evan Williams (knee), in addition to running back MarShawn Lloyd (calf/hamstring), who suffered a new hamstring injury and will probably not get activated from injured reserve this year.
Running back Chris Brooks (chest), offensive lineman Darian Kinnard (neck), edge defender Collin Oliver (hamstring), and wide receiver Savion Williams (foot) all are estimated with a limited participation.
It’s a tough moment for the Packers, but the players who are healthy enough have to battle and try to be on the field.
“Sometimes, you’ve got to talk to yourself, man,” Jacobs said. “It was hurting when I was running. It was funny because my dad said, ‘You could see it on my face when I was running.’ But that’s just a part of it. Sometimes you’ve got to talk to yourself in this game.”
Green Bay has a big game on Saturday night against the Bears. And to win it, the Packers have to overcome whatever gets in their way.
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